We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Stansted. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 20 minutes.

Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 60 min. International-to-International: 60 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Stansted.

Stansted operates as a single unified terminal, which simplifies orientation, but it's built almost entirely for point-to-point low-cost traffic rather than hub connections. Most passengers on separate tickets must collect bags, exit through arrivals, and re-clear security and check-in, making formal connections here slow and airline-support-dependent. An automated people mover (Stansted's air-side shuttle) links the main terminal to Satellite 3, while Satellites 1 and 2 are reached via underground pedestrian tunnels with moving walkways. There is no re-screening between the main terminal and satellites for through passengers already airside, but anyone arriving from outside the UK common travel area passes through immigration and must re-enter via security if changing airlines or exiting arrivals.

Still too tight once you factor in exiting arrivals and re-clearing security for a separate ticket. See full 30 min guide →

Meets the domestic-domestic minimum but only works with no checked bags and light security lines. See full 45 min guide →

Meets Stansted's practical MCT for most transfer types, including re-check-in scenarios. See full 1 hr guide →

Comfortable buffer for collecting bags, re-checking in, and clearing security at peak times. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Ample time even during the busy early morning departure banks. See full 1½ hr guide →

Very comfortable for any connection type at this single-terminal airport. See full 2 hr guide →

More than enough time, including a relaxed meal or shopping stop. See full 2½ hr guide →

Excess buffer for a low-cost airport with no true hub congestion. See full 3 hr guide →

Far more time than needed; consider whether a shorter layover elsewhere would suit better. See full 4 hr guide →